MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will have two rivals less to worry about as the International Member Federation Sanctions Panel recently banned Thailand and Malaysia from participating in the Tokyo Olympics set next year.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella on Sunday said the ban, meted out by the IMSFP and approved by the International Weightlifting Federation for the Thais while the Malaysians for a year.

It means both countries will not be participating in the quadrennial summer games as well as the Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam next year.

“IMSFP, which was approved by the IWF, has the sole authority to impose sanctions, in line with the IWF anti-doping policy,” said Puentevella.

Puentevella said both Thailand and Malaysia can appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports in the next 21 days.

“Due to the questions raised by the International Olympic Committee, the IWF has been very strict with the doping problems for sometime now,” he said.

The country is pinning its Olympic hopes on Hidilyn Diaz, who is a tournament away from qualifying to Tokyo.

Another local bet with a realistic chance of qualifying is Kristel Macrohon.

The Senate adjourned yesterday without passing the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or the second part of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, meant to empower President Duterte to address the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Jeepney drivers will be provided with the third tranche of cash assistance this month to help them and their families cope with the crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said.